Sometimes people need help with issues such as addiction and mental health and it can be one of the hardest things to asking for help with. You will probably be able to spot when a loved one needs help with these matters long before they realize themselves. This is where getting them to seek help can become difficult as they will normally be in denial and then you risk them pushing you away.
If you have a loved one that you think may need help then here are some ways that you may be able to help:
Emotional Support
Whether someone lets you know they are struggling or you are having to approach them it’s very common to feel a little lost to how you can support them. You don’t need to be trained to show support as a family member or friend, just offering a small amount of support can go a long way. Here are some things you could think about:
- Simply Listen- Sometimes just giving someone a safe environment to talk and allowing them to share without interruptions is what they need. If they are finding it difficult to talk then try offering the reassurance that you’re available when they’re ready.
- Be calm- Even though it may be difficult to hear and upsetting that your loved one is feeling the way they are, there may even be a level of disappointment, you should try to stay calm. It’s what they need, if you’re able to be calm they will be too.
- Be Patient– This is on of the biggies, you might be dying to ask questions and delve in further however this can be a trigger point for most people who need some help so try to sit back and help in their time, not yours. Please don’t assume that you know what has happened or triggered something to let them speak about it.
- Stay In Touch- A good way to support someone emotionally is to help them to keep things normal. Arrange days out, catch-ups over coffee and don’t forget to still invite them out to places.
Practical Support
Just like with emotional support there are lots of practical things you can do to support someone, this often applies to someone who wants to help themselves too. You, unfortunately, you can’t force people to seek help. Here are a few things for you to consider:
- Do Some Research- Often when someone needs help they may wait for longer than they should just because they don’t know where they can go to get it. If you have someone who needs help consider looking at Lake Wellness Center for the right support.
- Write Lists- It could be a good die to write down some questions to ask professionals, there will obviously be things you’re unable to answer and they will most likely forget what they want to say when speaking to someone they don’t know so writing these down can be really useful.
- Go To Appointments- Some people will want you to attend appointments with them, others won’t it’s best to ask the question though, even if you sit in the car park and wait.
- Offer To Help With Everyday Tasks- Now you have to be careful you’re not enabling some people with this one but asking if there are any normal tasks you could help with such as housework, giving them a lift or arranging childcare.
It’s never easy seeing a loved one struggle but by following some of these you could help. These are by no means all of the things you can try to help they are just a basic few points to help initially. Do you have any other ways that you can help a loved one seek help? Please share them in the comments section below.
